3D-printed nanosatellite thruster emits a stream of pure ions • Spaceleaks

MIT researchers have created the first 3D-printed thruster that emits a stream of pure ions using a combination of 3D printing and hydrothermal growth of zinc oxide nanowires. It is also the first thruster of this type to produce pure ions from the ionic liquids used to generate propulsion.

The pure ions make the thruster more efficient than similar state-of-the-art devices, giving it more thrust per unit flow of propellant, and a CubeSat could use this low-cost thrust to accelerate or maneuver with fine control.

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